Understanding Abducens Nerve Palsy (Sixth Nerve Palsy): Symptoms & Causes

Abducens nerve palsy, also known as sixth nerve palsy, is a neurological condition that affects the abducens nerve, which controls the lateral rectus muscle of the eye. The lateral rectus muscle is responsible for moving the eye outward (away from the nose). When the abducens nerve is damaged, the lateral rectus muscle cannot function properly, causing the eye to turn inward (toward the nose).

Symptoms of sixth nerve palsy include:

* Inward turning of the affected eye

* Double vision (diplopia)

* Blurred vision

* Eye pain

* Headache

* Nausea and vomiting

Sixth nerve palsy can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

* Stroke

* Head injury

* Brain tumor

* Diabetes

* Multiple sclerosis

* Guillain-Barré syndrome

* Myasthenia gravis

* Medications, such as certain antibiotics and antidepressants

Treatment for sixth nerve palsy depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:

* Eye exercises

* Prisms

* Surgery

* Botulinum toxin injections